Gardeners Quarters Turned Prime Cottage

Set amidst a row of quaint two storey cottages in Belgravia, within short distance of Sloane Square, is 21 Passmore Street, a two-bedroom freehold house recently modernised and extended by VOZA Developments. Originally built for the gardening staff of the Grosvenor Estate in 1860, and within a conservation area, the matchbox terraced home, which has been expertly repurposed, was recently acquired via private negotiation.

Providing over 900 square feet of accommodation, the brick and stucco-fronted cottage has been completely transformed and reconfigured to provide open plan living spaces that add a true sense of size and depth.  The kitchen at the rear of the home has been extended, with a large skylight and full-width Crittal-style windows, and doors that lead onto a private walled garden, filling the space with natural light.

The bespoke kitchen features stylish cabinetry, with Calacatta Viola marble worktops and oak timber shelving.

The ground floor also comprises a cloakroom and double reception/living room, which has been extended from the original configuration, that was tight and compact. The use of light earthy tones helps to maximise natural light against the contrasting dark timber flooring. A reclaimed bath stone fireplace has been installed, whilst the furniture has been specifically curated with a combination bespoke items and vintage finds.

Moving upwards in the property, the master and guest bedrooms occupy the second floor where the removal of redundant chimney breasts provided much needed depth to each room.

Full-length wardrobes have also been installed in the two bedrooms to provide ample storage, with fine wool carpets and decorative lighting. The bathroom includes stone wall and floor tiles, with a lovely walk-in shower.

Alex Pope, Partner at VOZA Developments, said: “Although this property was in very poor condition when we first acquired it, we were able to apply our unique style of design and renovation to extract all of its potential and create a lovely little home. The addition a new full width extension allowed us to create a fantastic front to back living space on the ground floor that leads out to its own private courtyard garden. Which is fantastic for a house of this size”

“When it came to the interior design and configuration, we wanted to upcycle as much of the furniture as we could to ensure the home retained a hint of its historic character.”

VOZA Developments sourced several items of antique furniture that added a sense of individual style and historic reference to the finished apartment. The standout feature furnishings included:

• Mid Century French Oak dining table and bench
• Pendant light above the dining table
• Bath Stone fireplace
• Antique Swivel Office Chair
• Bespoke Sofa and Coffee Table
• Stripped Armchair

The antique furniture helps to elevate the interior design, which has a chic country feel, whilst also providing a historic connection within a home that once played an important social role for the workers on the Grosvenor Estate in the 19^th Century.

Felix Langlois, partner at VOZA Developments, commented: “Passmore Street offered us a real blank canvas to transform a redundant property into something special. Before we set out our design intent, we focused on what makes a characterful yet practical home. By carefully considering each room, it’s design and how best to use the space, we were able to create a unique home that delivers a lot for its size, whilst the specially curated antique furnishings add a real sense of the character.”